Habersham plans new training, design center for its customers

Heath E. Combs -- Furniture Today, August 13, 2012

TOCCOA, Ga. — High-end case goods manufacturer Habersham plans to add a new training and design center to its design studio here to help dealers better understand its custom offerings.

The center should improve its dealer and designer training - especially in customer order options, a press release said.

As the trade and higher-end consumer audience for the company's custom order segment has grown, so too has demand for the detailed product training and customer service, company officials said.

Located near the main Habersham factory, the studio was originally built to house space for its artisan and design team. The company said it will build out the studio to showcase kitchen, master bath, master closet and other cabinetry designs, and other top-selling and prototype furniture styles.

The space will also include meeting spaces outfitted with finish samples, training tools and computers to show designs and renderings. Officials said those efforts should help customers maximize the line's sales potential.

"Our sales representatives can bring their VIP trade customers here. Our trade customers can bring their key clients here. We'll be able to develop and host individual training programs custom-tailored to the specialized needs of our customers," CEO Matt Eddy said.

The company also announced it is relocating its High Point showroom in Market Square for the fall market to space 191. It said the new showroom will be more boutique in style and will offer a visual footprint for standalone retail or in-store boutiques.